Island Soul: Where Food Meets Family, Legacy, and Love
If you’ve ever been to Island Soul in Columbia City, you know it’s more than a restaurant—it’s a whole experience. Owner Theo Martin built Island Soul as a tribute to his family, especially his father Jeff, who ran a popular BBQ spot called Judkins Barbecue in the ‘70s, and his foster mother Lula, who taught him that food is healing.
Theo didn’t always know he’d run a restaurant. But when his father got sick, he stepped in—and found his calling. “It was about not letting the legacy fade,” he shared. That love turned into Island Soul, where Caribbean flavors meet Southern soul in a space that feels like a family cookout.
Theo’s mom, a vegetarian and community caregiver, inspired not just the food but the spirit. She fed the homeless, hosted church dinners, and ran a daycare. “She was always serving,” Theo said. “I do that now through my work.”
Island Soul opened in Columbia City in 2003—when the neighborhood was still in transition. But Theo brought his family-centered vision, and the community responded. “You walk in, and you feel like you're somewhere else,” he said. “You leave everything outside.”
Support from Seattle’s Office of Economic Development helped the business survive the pandemic, including funds for outdoor seating and a safer interior layout. “We actually grew during COVID,” Theo shared.
And through it all, his favorite part? “My whole family is involved. Friends, neighbors, people I’ve seen grow up—it’s all love. This is my country club.”
For those dreaming of their own restaurant, Theo’s advice is simple: “Be authentic. Give people what they want with love, quality, and service.”
The Island Soul journey is still going—and the flavor, like the legacy, keeps growing.
Island Soul
4869 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
